Stack, Bedell, and Hasan

[unixronin]

STRATFOR discusses whether Joe Stack and John Patrick Bedell were terrorists.

Personally, I don't think it is productive to label every lone nut a terrorist.  One should not confuse the intent to create terror as a political tactic with the intent to strike a blow at a government that one has come to hate or fear.  Judging by the evidence available, Bedell was mentally unstable; Stack had simply reached the end of his rope.  But terrorism is, ultimately, a considered, rational act.  Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan's actions and motivation meet a reasonable definition of terrorism.  Stack's and Bedell's do not, and broadening the definition of terrorism to encompass every new berserker is not only misleading, it cannot but end up doing harm to our civil liberties.

Comments

[unixronin.livejournal.com]

Well, actually, considering he set fire to his house with his wife and daughter inside, I think his intention was to take them with him, not leave them homeless. I file that under "lost his marbles", not under narcissism. One might say that his rope was badly frayed to start with. ;)